Healing Through Touch: Resources You’ll Need as a Massage Therapist

Do you have an inner desire to help others heal? From becoming a motivational speaker or life coach to a personal trainer or educator, there are a number of ways you can touch the lives of others. If you’ve been told in the past that you’re great at giving massages or great with your hands, you might consider becoming a massage therapist. As more people look to alternative therapies and medicines to heal their aches and pains, treat illnesses, and improve the mind, massage therapy has become a popular choice.

Now is a good a time as any to embark on the path to becoming an independent massage therapist. You can work out of a salon, from the comfort of your home, buy a storefront, or go where your clients are by being mobile. There aren’t any major requirements like decades in school or years of training, however, you will need to take a few courses to get certified and licensed. Once you’re official, you’re ready to start your massage therapy business.

 

Here are some things you’ll need and resources you can turn to to help make your startup a success.

Training and Education

Before becoming a massage therapist you’ll need to receive proper schooling and training. You’ll also be required to meet state requirements that can include obtaining licenses and permits to practice massage therapy. This includes taking a Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam. Although you don’t need extensive education as you may for other professions, there is a lot you need to know about the art of massage therapy and its healing benefits. Some resources you might need include:

An accredited school for massage therapy education

Your state or city clerk’s office for licensing and other credentials

The American Massage Therapy Association for guides, school listings, tips, and resources for becoming a massage therapist.

Massage 101

Location and Supplies

Once you’ve obtained the necessary education, licensing, and certification to legally become a massage therapist, you’re ready to launch your business. Again, there are some legalities you’ll need to deal with first like registering your name, selecting an entity, and purchasing insurance. Then, you’ll need to determine where you’ll practice and purchase supplies. Here are some resources to help you during this stage:

• Established salons and shops – asking to work in an existing shop can help you gain experience, build clientele, and save on overhead costs of owning your own shop.
• Massage therapy supplies – you don’t need much to get started, but you will need a few of the basics. Brands such as Earthlite massage therapist supplies can be found online for purchase. You’ll need things like a massage chair or table, linens, essential oils, and perhaps some scented candles for aromatherapy.
• A reliable car – If you like the idea of being your own boss but don’t have the funds necessary for a full salon you could always go mobile. With a reliable car, you can advertise your services online and meet customers at their homes for therapy.
• An office – whether you choose to work from an existing salon, start your own or go mobile you’ll need a designated office to manage your business. In your office, you’ll need a dedicated business line, computer, desk, chair, and basic office supplies.

Management and Marketing

Setting up shop is just the beginning. In order for your massage therapy business to flourish after its established, you’ll need to properly manage and market your services. This can be tedious to do alone, but fortunately, there are a lot of resources out there to make things easier.

• Social media –social media is a free platform that can be used to market your services. Create pages on sites where your ideal customers visit most frequently and begin connecting with them on a regular basis.
• Local businesses – for a massage therapist, a business can be anywhere. Take some business cards or flyers and begin handing them out at nearby businesses. You can ask to leave contact forms and start building a clientele.
• Free software – From sending out correspondence and managing customer information to scheduling appointments and keeping up with the finances, there are a lot of business management tasks that need to be carried out regularly. There is free software to make this easier. Many email accounts also have features like calendars and scheduling appointments. There is free invoicing software and payment gateway accounts you can sign up for as well.
• How to guides and motivational books – The journey to becoming a massage therapist and starting your own business won’t be without obstacles. There are tons of resources you can turn to for help and guidance. Look for entrepreneurship guides, inspirational blogs, motivational books, and support groups for massage therapists and business owners to help you become successful and better at your work.

The power of touch is more healing than you may ever realize. If you’re interested in helping others to heal and see the full potential in their lives, perhaps becoming a massage therapist is an ideal career path for you. As you can see, there are a lot of resources available to you to make your dream a reality.